Asthma Attacks in Young Children: Risks and Prevention

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. In rare cases, a severe asthma attack can result in death. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that asthma is the leading cause of death from chronic illness among children under the age of 5 in the United States. In 2019, there were 346 asthma-related deaths in the U.S., and of those, 145 (42%) were children under the age of 5.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by various factors, such as allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, and stress. When an asthma attack occurs, the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult. In some cases, the airways can become so narrow that air cannot get into the lungs at all, which can lead to respiratory arrest and death.

It is important for parents of children with asthma to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack and to seek immediate medical attention if necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment of asthma can help reduce the risk of severe attacks and death.